PETER BONETTI is a Stamford Bridge legend.
The former England goalkeeper played over 700 times for Chelsea across two stints in West London, earning seven caps for his country between 1966 and 1970.
Bonetti is one of Chelseas all-time greatsCredit: Getty – Contributor
But the club is in mourning after announcing that the stopper – affectionately known as ‘The Cat’ – passed away on April 12.
How old was Peter Bonetti?
BORN in Putney, Bonetti’s family moved to Worthing on the South Coast when he was a boy.
As a child, he excelled as a goalkeeper and was part of the youth setup at Reading, before Chelsea came calling after Bonetti’s mother wrote to then-manager Ted Drake.
Once at the Bridge, Bonetti quickly established himself as one of the brightest youth prospects at the club.
Famed for his athleticism, grace and freakish ability to throw the ball further than most could kick it, he worked his way into the first team and helped Chelsea make their way back into the First Division.
From 1960 onwards, Bonetti was the Blues No1 and spent fifteen years as a near ever-present.
Bonetti rose through the youth ranks at Stamford BridgeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
He was the backup to Gordon Banks in the England setup and in 2009 received a World Cup winners medal after being overlooked in 1966, as he hadn’t played during the tournament.
And in 1970 he stood in for Banks in the Mexico World Cup, only for England to crash out after an agonising 3-2 defeat to West Germany.
Bonetti left Chelsea in 1975 to sign for the MLS side St Louis Stars, but returned to the capital to rejoin his former club after just one campaign in the States.
He would go on to make another 105 appearances, before retiring four years later – although he did come out of retirement for short stints at Dundee United and Woking Town.
After hanging up his boots, Bonetti moved to the Isle of Mull in Scotland where he became a postman.
Bonettie held the record for the most clean sheets as a Chelsea keeper until January 2014, when Czech stopper Petr Cech surpassed him
He was born on September 27, 1941 and was 78-years-old at the time of his death.
His biggest game for England came in the 1970 World Cup, but the Three Lions were beaten by West GermanyCredit: DPA/Press Association Images
What was his cause of death?
CHELSEA fans are in mourning after the club announced the passing of one of their all-time greats.
Bonetti’s health had deteriorated in the last few years and the club explained long-term illness was his cause of death.
A statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti.
“Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long-term illness. All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends.”
How many trophies did he win with Blues?
IN a glittering 20-year career with Chelsea, ‘The Cat’ was a firm fan favourite.
Here’s the honours he collected during his illustrious time in West London:
- League Cup: 1965
- FA Cup: 1970
- UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1971
- FA Youth Cup 1960
- World Cup (with England): 1966
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
